Is Thermage Best for Post Liposuction Skin Tightening?

Question

I had liposculpture via syringe on my buttocks and saddlebags and I am generally happy with the results but I have sagging skin. Before the surgery, my skin was a little saggy (the doctor left a pencil under my butt cheek to show how the skin flopped over it enough to hold the pencil in place!). Having said that, I'm only 25, size small so its not horrendously loose skin. My goal is to get the very BEST outcome from my Lipo. What should I do? Will Thermage help? Thanks. (P.S Please note the photo is BEFORE I had Lipo.)

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

There are a few options for tightening skin with lipo but nothing magic. I presented some research recently showing that Thermage after lipo resulted in about 40% more skin tightening than lipo alone. The catch is that it has to be done immediately after, while the tumescent infusion is still there. Laser-assisted liposuction has also presented some data, not as much tightening as Thermage, but again it has to be done at the time of the liposuction. One thing that all of these technologies have in common is that younger patients get a better response, so Thermage may still be worth considering. Results still vary from patient to patient.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

I have seen few patients with satisfactory outcomes from Thermage. In fact, I have seen many patients that complain about the results. Therefore, I am extremely reluctant to advise its use. If we could make skin act like shrink wrap, we would not have to perform face lifts, tummy tucks, breast lifts, etc. In your case, I would encourage muscle toning to promote displacement of the skin with muscle mass.

Jennifer Ahdout, MD, FAAD · Answer

In my experience, I have been pleased with the use of Thermage on the body. Liposuction itself does result in some skin tightening, however, often times with large volume liposuction, there may be some excess skin laxity which is properly addressed with Thermage. I have used Thermage on the banana rolls on the buttock and found significant lifting in the area.

Michele S. Green, MD · Answer

Thermage is ideal for buttock and and saddle bags tightening in women.  However, after liposuction are removing excess fat and the amount of loose skin can be problematic.  In these post-surgical cases I am not certain that Thermage will meet your expectations.  This is one of the problems with liposuction in general.  Thermage works best in tightening the skin in these areas and cellulite reduction but is not a cure for a surgical side effect.  Please let me know what happens and what you decide.  If you had undergone Zeltiq and Thermage rather than liposuction you would probably have been happier.

Farouk Iqbal, MD · Answer

Thermage is a good option. Many of my patients have been satisfied with the results. The new 16 cm body tip gives better results with short treatment time. However, the improvement may not be entirely to your satisfaction. Even Plastic surgery cannot offer you a perfect result.

Is Thermage Best for Post Liposuction Skin Tightening?

Answers (7)

Answer: Thermage and buttock tightening and saddle bags sagging in women

Answer: Thermage and buttock tightening and saddle bags sagging in women

Answer: Thermage is a good option but don't expect miracles

Answer: Thermage is a good option but don't expect miracles

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Everything you need to know about Thermage

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Is Thermage Best for Post Liposuction Skin Tightening?

Answers (7)

Answer: Thermage and buttock tightening and saddle bags sagging in women

Answer: Thermage and buttock tightening and saddle bags sagging in women

Answer: Thermage is a good option but don't expect miracles

Answer: Thermage is a good option but don't expect miracles

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Thermage

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.